AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos [Preview & Live Stream Information]
The AFC Championship Game will not only feature the battle between two of the conference most dominant teams - the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos - all season long. It will also set the stage for the showdown between signal-calling greats Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
Brady and Manning, two of the most accomplished signal-caller in the history of the NFL, will cross path once again as they attempt to lead their team to the big dance - at Super Bowl XLVIII.
It's going to be a Mile High showdown Saturday afternoon at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos, who compiled a 13-3 record, will have a chance to punch their way to the Super Bowl for the first time since Manning arrived in Colorado. On the other hand, the Pats are going to try to make another trip to the Super Bowl, and hopefully end their championship drought this year.
Brady has been the driving force behind the Pats' playoff resurgence after suffering injuries to their key players throughout their campaign. However, the grizzled veteran quarterback knows that their backs are against the wall this time around.
"I'm sure no one's going to pick us to win this week," said Brady, who will make his eighth AFC title game appearance and third in as many years via ESPN. "We've had our backs against the wall for a while. Really, the whole season we've lost players, and teams have really counted us out."
The Broncos defense will surely place a big bulls-eye on the back of Brady, who has been the heart and soul of the Patriots offense. Nevertheless, Denver head coach John Fox is aware that they have to come up a better game plan in stopping running back LeGarrette Blount, who rushed for 166 yards and four TDs in a 43-22 rout of the Indianapolis Colts.
"I think they do a good job with personnel and he's obviously another different weapon but he's big and physical," Denver coach John Fox said. "He's got skins on the wall in this league as far as a running back."
Meanwhile, aside from Manning's rocket arm, the Broncos will also lean on running back Knowshon Moreno, who amassed a career-high 1,038 yards this season.
Live Stream & Schedule
The Patriots vs. Broncos AFC Championship Game will be live on CBS at 3:00 p.m (American Eastern Time) or 7:00 am Perth Time. Live Streaming will be available on ESPN Watch or on CBS.